[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 70 (Thursday, April 28, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S2217]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO MIKE DeVRIES

 Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, today I have the distinct honor of 
recognizing Mike DeVries of Fergus County as Montanan of the Month for 
his dedication to serving his community and his courage during the 
Denton fire last December.
  Mike joined the volunteer fire department shortly after moving to 
Denton with his family in 2004 and has been loyal to the department and 
community ever since, serving as chief for 11 years. On December 1, 
2021, Mike's love of his community and resolute leadership was on full 
display. As the West Wind fire tore through the town of Denton, Mike 
acted swiftly to maintain incident command and ensure the safety of his 
firefighters and members of the Denton community.
  As Montana suffered a terrible fire season in 2021, Mike not only 
coordinated aid and resources, he showed care and compassion to his 
fellow residents of Denton and the surrounding area. He met with folks 
who were impacted by the fires and connected personally with all of the 
local firefighters and community members who showed up to help.
  Serving as the Denton fire chief is just one of the ways Mike gives 
back to his community. He is also on the elder board of the Denton 
Bible Church and has served several terms on the town council. As a 
volunteer fire chief, he has spent countless hours training, traveling, 
and managing the department. His son Joel says that Mike is held in 
high regard by other firefighters as he works to build relationships 
between Denton and surrounding departments.
  While Mike is quick to give credit to his crew, he deserves 
recognition for his leadership during the 2021 fire season, loyalty to 
the Denton Fire Department, and compassion for his community.
  Keep up the great work, Mike. You make Montana proud.

                          ____________________